Montreal to New York, NY

French-speaking, thoroughly romantic and exquisitely cultured, Montreal definitely warrants a pre- or post-cruise stay. The Old Port is a hub of entertainment, while the Museum of Fine Arts is revered for its collection of more than 30,000 objects. For a respite from the vibrant city, stroll the Montreal Botanical Garden, a draw since 1931.

Surrounded by several miles of granite walls dating back hundreds of years, Quebec City’s fabulous Old Town exudes European character, exemplified in the iconic Château Frontenac. Another architectural gem is the fascinating Musée de la Civilisation, a treasure trove of items recreating the French-speaking city’s early days.

Head to La Baie and tour the Musée du Fjord, admire the frescoes covering every nook and corner of barber and painter Arthur Villeneuve’s home, tour a goat farm or travel the Craftsman Road to see artisans in their element creating cheeses, glass-blowing and soap-making. Don’t miss a hike through Saguenay National Park, which cradles the dramatic fjord that has enchanted travelers for centuries.

Sept-Îles is a city in the Côte-Nord region of eastern Quebec, Canada. It is among the northernmost locales with a paved connection to the rest of Quebec's road network. The population was 25,686 as of the Canada 2011 Census. The town is called Uashat, meaning "bay," in the Innu language.

Start by taking in the breathtaking view from the monument honoring Captain James Cook, the first to map the area in 1767. More history awaits you in the Corner Brook Museum and its marine artifacts, forestry exhibits and collections from aboriginal people.

Founded by the British in 1749, Halifax still has a British military air about it. Every day at noon, a ceremonial gun is fired at the Halifax Citadel, a star-shaped fortress where the guides wear military uniforms. The exhibits have a more seafaring slant at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and include the nearly 100-year-old Acadia.

Joined to the mainland of Dorset by narrow Chesil Beach, Portland is in the heart of England's dramatic Jurassic Coast, so called because its rock bed dates back 185 million years. The coastal cliffs and area's unique flora and fauna are awe-inspiring; the perfect complement to the town's rich history. Portland Castle overlooks the harbor and is one of Henry VIII's best-preserved coastal fortifications. Portland Bill Lighthouse is another landmark, literally, and has been guiding sailors for more than 300 years. You may also enjoy walking to the abandoned Tout Quarry, which has been turned into a delightful stone sculpture park.

The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. Call it what you may, New York reigns as one of the world's most dynamic cities. But where to begin? The sacred soil of Ground Zero or stunning Central Park? The Guggenheim or the American Museum of Natural History? Should you take in a Broadway show or simply enjoy the nonstop show of people that parade through the streets? The possibilities are endless in the five boroughs of New York City, so get out and enjoy.